Winkler's Pincushion Cactus
Photo Courtesy of United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Pediocactus winkleri
Other common names: Winkler's cactus
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G2
State (S-rank): S2
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
General information
Pediocactus winkleri is a federally listed as threatened cactus that is found in Emery, Sevier and Wayne Counties, Utah. This rare cactus species is known from the Great Basin desert scrub, pinyon-juniper woodlands, desert pavements of cobble, pebble, or fossil oyster shell and gypsum soils. Winkler's pincushion cactus is a small barrel cactus with large, showy peach to pink flowers which burst from the dry desert ground when they bloom in spring.
Description
Pediocactus winkleri is a federally listed as threatened cactus that is found in Emery, Sevier and Wayne Counties, Utah. This rare cactus species is known from the Great Basin desert scrub, pinyon-juniper woodlands, desert pavements of cobble, pebble, or fossil oyster shell and gypsum soils. Winkler's pincushion cactus is a small barrel cactus with large, showy peach to pink flowers which burst from the dry desert ground when they bloom in spring.
Phenology
Flowers from March to May.
Diagnostic characteristics
It can be difficult to distinguish Pediocactus winkleri from the nearby P. despainii, another rare member of the genus. The ranges of the two do not overlap, however - Pediocactus despainii is known from the San Rafael Swell, while Pediocactus winkleri occurs west of the Swell. However, the most reliable characteristics for distinguishing the two are flower color and the length of the hairs emerging from the areoles (where the spines emerge). Pediocactus winkleri produces peach to pink flowers and fine, short hairs emerge from the areoles; in contrast, Pediocactus despainii produces yellow-bronze to peach-bronze flowers and longer, shaggy hairs emerge from the areoles.
Species range
Grows in small populations widely scattered over a small area, from near Notom in central Wayne County to near Fremont Junction in southwestern Emery County and near Ferron in western Emery County. Found only in Emery County and Wayne County in Utah.
Threats or limiting factors
This species is threatened by grazing, illegal collection, recreation, mining exploration, and insect infestations (USFWS 2007).
Taxonomy
No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies